County Coroner:
In a response posted on his Facebook account, John Fitzpatrick has outlined a detailed rebuttal, citing information and clarifying key points related to his criticisms of current Vigo County Coroner Dr Janie Myers.
In his posts Fitzpatrick has questioned the high rates of autopsies conducted in Vigo County compared to state averages, citing Vigo County’s current rate which is close to 90% compared to a state average of approximately 30%.
Defending his claims of wasted transportation funds, Fitzpatrick provided figures from 2020 to 2024 totaling $627,288. He emphasized the need for restructuring the office’s business model to enhance efficiency, citing examples from counties with comparable or larger populations.
Regarding delays in death certificate issuance, Fitzpatrick challenged explanations provided by Myers, suggesting a switch to a different pathology service could expedite the process. He highlighted discrepancies in the timeframes for completing death certificates and refuted assertions regarding insurance acceptance of “pending” death certificates.
In an interview on the Holding Vigo County Accountable Facebook page Fitzpatrick also brought up questions related to a controversial local pathologist named Bamidele Adeagbo. Many of those questions were previously reported on by THVN.
In posts on her Facebook page Dr Myers confirmed the high percentage of local autopsies and has defended her practices by citing a contract between the Vigo County Coroner’s office and the Vigo County Commissioners.
County Commissioner:
In a recent social media exchange, tensions flared between Vigo County Commissioner Chris Switzer and challenger Anthony Rubinacci, over a comment from Rubinacci on a Facebook post from Switzer.
Rubinacci publicly disclosed that Commissioner Switzer had referred to him in a derogatory manner on his official Vigo County Commissioner page. The deleted comment reportedly labeled Rubinacci with a derogatory term and accused him of being a “smart-a**,” stemming from Rubinacci’s inquiry into Switzer’s presence on an Indiana Board for Cybersecurity, despite lacking cybersecurity experience.
Rubinacci called for Switzer to take responsibility for his actions, claiming that “private apologies cannot erase public insults.” He asserts that a public apology is warranted, emphasizing that such conduct is unbecoming of an elected official and requires accountability.
Terre Haute Vice News 